Meet Cassandra Pyles-Trebar | Boudoir and Glamour Photographer | Body Image and Empowerment Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Pyles-Trebar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process on starting my own business was actually a total accident if I’m being honest, and looking back I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My story started out while I was in college for my pre-med degree. I was a full-time multi-major student with plans to go on to medical school and then out into the field to save lives. I loved my path and was so excited to become a doctor, but about halfway through school, my life changed completely when I ended up being diagnosed with an autoimmune kidney disease and told I would need dialysis or a transplant in less than a year.

Getting a serious medical diagnosis, alters the path of your life completely and for me personally, mine meant I could never become a doctor. From there my timeline quickly turned from diagnosis to treatments, dialysis, and a complete upside-down flip of my life. While I knew I couldn’t become a doctor due to my new circumstances, I did decide to continue on with school during my dialysis treatments and my wait for a transplant. Two years later, I ended up finishing my degrees despite the challenges and naturally, I was so proud of myself, but at that point, I had no idea where to go as my intended life’s path came to a very abrupt end.

During this time, I was still doing dialysis treatments and waiting on a transplant list with no end in sight so I was in a state of limbo and felt like I had no way forward.

While limbo can lead to a lot of feelings of nothingness, it also affords us the room to expand our view and see things we never thought possible before. It was there, in that space that I found photography. I picked up a camera and wanted to capture the world around me and the beauty it holds even in the little things.

Long story made shorter, after picking up my camera my search for capturing beauty lead me down the path to starting a business and capturing the beauty of my client’s stories and memories. I added a little *spice* when my sisters asked me to try out boudoir with them and the rest is history.

I loved the way I was able to capture the hearts, souls, and beauty of the women I love, and when I saw their lives, marriages, and confidence improve, I knew that I could do big things to help women in today’s society.

Having received my second chance via an organ donor in 2015, I now run a full-service luxury women’s empowerment photography studio and I couldn’t imagine my path turning out any other way.

With a full team of amazing women by my side, a fabulous client closet to dress every woman, and 7 years of training under my belt photographing all bodies, I am blessed to be able to guide women on their journeys to self-discovery, growing their confidence, learning to love the skin they are in and embracing their inner Goddesses.

Starting my business may have been an accident, but I truly believe the universe knew exactly where I was meant to be and when I leaned into letting go everything fell into place.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single moment of my “accidental entrepreneurship” journey. I’m beyond blessed to spend my career serving hundreds of women a year, changing lives, flowering the earth with seeds of self-love, and reminding every woman who walks through my door that she is and always has been enough. <3

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think one of the most unique aspects of my art is the way I capture the subject and extend their souls right into the images.

I meet every subject exactly where she is on her journey and capture her as the truest version of herself.

In my studio, I create an expansive safe space to be free, to explore, to discover, and to lean into your truest self. In doing this, I facilitate the kind of environment that allows my subjects’ hearts and souls to be reflected back at them in their images.

I see many photographers capture their subjects beautifully through their lenses, but I do things a little differently.

Rather than using my camera as a lens, I use my camera like a mirror. Through my art, I empower my clients to see themselves with the unbiased eyes of someone who doesn’t see their flaws or their insecurities. Due to this, my work reflects their true selves and I am often told that my images feel like they were taken by the subject’s best friend or someone who loves them.

While I love the technical aspects of photography and visual art, my true sparkle lies in my ability to empower my client’s to be unapologetically themselves and shine the way they deserve to.

The journey of self-love is never easy, but through the challenges I have personally faced and my years of experience photographing all bodies, I am blessed with the ability to not only create beautiful photographs of my clients but to facilitate healing, guide them on the next step of their journey and change their lives.

I’ve learned so much along my own journey of healing, self-discovery, and acceptance and I am so thankful I am able to serve my clients as someone who knows exactly how they feel and has been in their shoes. It truly makes all the difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Cleveland, OH is eclectic and unique – we are a city of very diverse backgrounds, interests, passions, and careers. I would find it fitting to show this lovely character off; a wonderful place my husband, family, friends, colleagues, and I have the pleasure of calling home. I will walk you through an explorative day in The Land and what that might entail.

My dear friend and colleague from Savannah, GA has not had the opportunity to visit Cleveland, though this prompt has me daydreaming of what the eventual visit will look like! My husband and I, being members of the artistic community, are partially biased toward the creative talents that small businesses in the city have to offer. Our first stop would be breakfast at a Cleveland staple in the heart of midtown – Slyman’s Deli. The deli specializes in making corned beef and hash, open for breakfast and lunch. The establishment has been family owned and operated since ‘64 and has served many hungry customers, including Food Network greats Rachael Ray and Alton Brown, as well as former president George W. Bush. If you don’t have the appetite of a local steelworker, consider the lite sandwich and take some home for later!

After some deep conversation and our delicious meal, we are off to take some steps and explore. This would include a browse of the University Circle district, east of the downtown area. This area of 550 acres is one of the densest performing arts and cultural attractions districts in the Midwest. Centered around the Case Western Reserve campus, Cleveland’s Little Italy, and world-class attractions – such as The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Orchestra’s Severance Hall, and The Cleveland Botanical Gardens; there is never a dull moment in this vibrant neighborhood. Our afternoon would encompass a walk of the temporary exhibits featured at the Art Museum, followed by some Cassata cake at local Corbo’s Bakery, which Mario Batali deems the best he has ever had in the US.

Since we are in the area, Little Italy is also home to a diverse group of artists and makers. A quick stop on Murray Hill Road will lead us to the lovely Hannah of Snakes and Acey’s, where we can grab some original Cleveland apparel and catch up on the latest happenings in the art community, as Hannah is also the co-head of the Cleveland Bazaar – who hosts indie craft shows and pop-up events with their network of nearly 200 local, small businesses.

At this point, you may be reaching a conclusion that Clevelanders are really obsessed with Cleveland! That would be a true statement. A short drive from Little Italy will take us to our next stop – one of the script Cleveland signs for a spur-of-the-moment photo shoot. Cleveland has a lot of local tourism that makes us loud and proud about our passion for this great city. This stop is short-lived, as we are now scrambling to grab tickets to ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – a non-profit organization that has restored train service (along with a Californian Zephyr) through our wonderful National Park.

When we arrive at the station, many are getting on and off with the bike-aboard program, but we have decided to stay put on the train and play a fitting board game – Ticket to Ride. While there, we can enjoy a glass of wine and take in some of the natural beauty that Cleveland – The Forest City, has to offer us. Who knows, we may even see an Eagle’s nest on our journey!

The day is winding down, but our strong Midwest appetite for entertainment and local cuisine doesn’t go unnoticed. We take a quick stop at one of the Cleveland Metropark locations to bask in the waning daylight, on the way back downtown. When arriving, we stop at East 4th street for some Polish-inspired BBQ. Chef Michael Simon of Mabel’s BBQ has exactly what we are craving – some Polish-inspired Kielbasa, Pork Belly, and those delectable bits of goodness they call fried potatoes. If we can squeeze it in, we will grab some pie for dessert, as Mabel’s carries ice cream from the small shop of Mason’s Creamery on the west side.

Now that we feel satisfied and filled to the brim with Cleveland BBQ, we cross the brick road to catch a comedy show at Hilarities. The venue is underground – intimate tables, exposed brick, and a waitresswho has heard every joke imaginable set the scene for a fantastic evening. The venue has seen its fair share of household names, like Jeff Allen, Dave Attell, Craig Robinson, and Jim Breuer. Live comedy has a way of winning over a crowd that isn’t the same as watching a
comedy special at home on Netflix.

As we walk to the valet booth, we process just how long of a day it was, but don’t dare to plan it in our heads any differently. As Kid Cudi puts it, “Cleveland is the Reason I’m Cool.” To the average listener, that may not seem significant, but to a born and raised Clevelander – it means everything. It tells us that we get to take in everything that the city offers and be a vital part of our Midwestern, Rust-Belt Metropolis.

We make one last stop at my studio downtown to see the beauty of the Cleveland skyline. Terminal Tower is lit up in vibrant colors and Key Bank Tower looks down upon us, filling us with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. For Cleveland isn’t just the city we live in – we are a part of the city, and it is how we have come to define ourselves. As we say here in Cleveland “Cleveland Rocks” and we live that with all our hearts.

While this was only a day in Cleveland, we highly recommend taking at least a weekend so for those who would like to extend their stay we recommend the following:

Activities:

-Holden Arboretum Emergent Tower and Canopy Walk
-Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
-Playhouse Square
-Edgewater Park
-Glass Blowing in Ohio City
-Perfume Making with Yates Perfumes in Lakewood
-Candle Making with Cleveland Candle Co
-Ride on the Good Times 3
-Night Out at the East Bank Flats
-A Cleveland Orchestra Concert
-Checking out The Arcade Cleveland near East 4th (Not a game Arcade)

Food:

-Taza
-Barrio Tacos and Tequila
-Marbleroom Steakhouse
-Trattoria on the Hill
-Saigon Restaurant and Bar
-Great Lakes Brewing Company
-Soho Chicken and Whiskey
-Yours Truly – Playhouse Square
-Happy Dog
-Superior Pho

Great destinations within an hour:

-Mentor Headlands Beach and Lighthouse *Near Pickle Bills Lobster House which is a must try*
-James A Garfield House
-Wine Country in Geneva OH *Debonne, South River Cellers, and Benny Vino are our faves and you MUST try an Ice Wine*
-Amish Country in Berlin OH *Check out The Amish Door for lunch*
-Cedar Point
-Blossom Outdoor Venue and Music Center
-Cuyahoga Valley National Park
-Pro Football Hall of Fame
-McKinley Monument and Museum

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Frankie, my family and friends, my organ donor, The Ohio State University transplant team, my studio team, my wonderful clients, and everyone who believed in me along the way.

Website: www.blushbloomboudoir.com

Instagram: @blushbloomboudoir

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/blushbloomboudoir

Other: Tiktok: @blushbloomboudoir Linktree: www.campsite.bio/blushbloomboudoir Email List: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/621d456678ab99224ea6ddec

Image Credits
Blush Bloom Boudoir Savannah Glamour Lorena Opris